Tag: lake living

Five Ways You Know You Are From Smith Lake, Alabama

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Lewis Smith Lake, or simply Smith Lake as it is known to locals, is located only one short hour from both Birmingham and Huntsville.

It’s convenient location near Bankhead National Forest gives the body of water a particularly secluded, heavily wooded feel.

A popular, yet peaceful lake, Smith Lake rivals the nation’s most beautiful lakes, thanks to it’s water clarity, stunning shoreline and diverse topography.

While every lake might claim pretty water and scenic views, you know few can compare to Smith.

1. You’ve never been anywhere more beautiful

clear water lewis smith lake, alabama

With many homes perched on picturesque bluffs or nestled among tall trees, Smith Lake is any outdoor photographer’s fantasy.

The lake, fed by the Black Warrior River, is also one of the deepest bodies of water in Alabama, and the western side of the lake borders the 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest.

So here is a question you always ask your friends: why travel across the country to visit a national park when you can just walk a few steps to one?

2. You drop off mail at William’s Grocery in Arley

william's grocery arley alabama
Photo courtesy of Lakes Online.

The closest post office is located in a tiny grocery store, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

At Smith Lake, knowing everyone’s name isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

You love the lake for its tight-knit community and small-town feel.

You delight in walking into any convenience store and finding the ice cream right next to the fishing bait.

Everyone knows each other, and the area has a country charm you wouldn’t trade for the world!

3.You know exactly where Three Fingers and The Smith Lake Castle are

One of the best parts about Smith Lake? Its many quirky landmarks and characteristics you won’t find any where else.

Three Fingers Rock, a popular rock formation, dares only the bravest jumpers to plunge 35 or 40 feet into the deep water below.

lewis smith lake castle home lake house for sale mr. smith lake justin dyar

Lewis Smith Lake is also home to “The Smith Lake Castle,” a 5,500-square-foot mansion resembling a centuries-old country estate in England.

When your friends climb on the boat, you’re always excited to showcase the personality and character of the lake.

4. You can see your toes in the water

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Smith Lake is known to be the second-cleanest lake in the United States, behind only Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada.

Lose something in the shallow water? No problem.

What better feeling than to know the water in your lake is always pristine?

5. Holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back, relax and spend time with loved ones.

You know you’re a local when you’ve gathered with your loved ones in Smith Lake Park to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

At the lake, you know that whether it’s National Pancake Day or Memorial Day, you have the perfect excuse to take the day off and spend it on the water.

enjoy the view perfect vacation spot 4th of july

Ask any local and they will tell you that the best part about living on Smith Lake is the stunning, natural beauty of the area.

There is nothing quite like waking up and looking out your window to 21,200 acres of sparkling water.

With 958 listings around the lake, Lake Homes Realty is the best source for lake information and diverse listings for BOTH buyers and sellers.

For more information, visit http://www.lakehomes.com/ or contact Mr. Smith Lake, Justin Dyar.

Nicole Walters to be Featured on Lakefront Bargain Hunt

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Nicole Walters

UPDATE 5/2: Nicole’s episode is now set to air this Sunday, 5/8/16 at 7PM central! Be sure to tune in!

UPDATE 4/29: HGTV has made changes to their Lakefront Bargain Hunt schedule and Nicole’s episode has been pushed back to a later date. We will have another update when it is rescheduled and set to air.

Tune into HGTV’s latest episode of Lakefront Bargain Hunt this Sunday, May 1st at 7 p.m. Central to see Lake Homes Realty’s Logan Martin Lake agent Nicole Anderson Walters!

Nicole, who is a seasoned Logan Martin Agent, will be helping a couple from Alabaster find their dream home on Logan Martin after they spent years taking weekend trips to the area.

Lakefront Bargain Hunt features families who are seeking to purchase a lake home on a budget. Each episode highlights a different lake and local expert real estate agent.

Nicole is the second Lake Homes Realty agent to be featured on the show this year; Justin Dyar and Smith Lake were featured earlier this month.

For more information on Nicole’s upcoming episode, visit the Lakefront Bargain Hunt website.

 

You Know You’ve Spent Time on Lake Lanier When…

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Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, breathtaking Lake Lanier spans 37,000 acres and features more than 692 miles of shoreline.

It also happens to be less than an hour away from Atlanta, making it the easiest of commutes.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake or call it your permanent home, you’ll recognize your favorite lake from these landmarks.

Current residents and expert-agents weigh in on their Lake Lanier Highlights.

Lake Lanier has two distinct personalities

Call it a West Side story, but you know Lake Lanier has two completely different personalities, South Side vs. North Side.

The South Side of the lake is the nearest to Atlanta and always has something going on at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort, the waterpark or restaurants, at LanierWorld, or the larger marinas.

The North Side of the lake is nearest to small towns like Cumming as well as a small city, Gainesville.

This is the side of the lake you will canoe and paddle board on. The shoreline remains a little more residential and the water is peaceful.

LanierWorld

It isn’t just for the kids.

Yes, thousands upon thousands of visitors and tourists make their way to LanierWorld every year.

You may pretend to roll your eyes at the park’s 11 waterslides, wave pool, carnival-style rides and lakeside grill. But let’s be real…you love it.

No matter your age, you love spending the sunny, summer days flying down water slides and riding the Raging River rapids.

And after a day on the waterslides, head over to Pigtails or Fishtails for dinner and dessert.

Port Royale

This is the perfect place for your lake pit stop.

Located on the North side of the lake, Port Royale is by far your favorite marina on the lake.

With 5-Star amenities, the Lighthouse convenience store and Pelican Pete’s, Port Royale rivals even the most impressive of marinas.

Great food, live entertainment and a guaranteed good time are waiting for you down at the Port Royale Marina.

Rich History 

You’re hopelessly fascinated with the history surrounding the lake.

Everyone knows North Georgia has a rich history dating back before the Revolutionary War, but there are some spots around the lake especially surrounded by myth and legend.

War Hill, a 108-acre park, for example, has almost no documented history regarding its origin and early history.

Local experts say there was most likely a significant Native American battle on the site. However, it’s rumored that evidence of what really happened at War Hill is buried under the lake.

Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration 

You can’t imagine spending Fourth of July anywhere else.

Every year, places like Lake Lanier Islands host a swanky “Red, White and Blue Luau,” and Laurel Park serves up hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones courtesy of the Paul E. Bolding American Legion.

But whether you spend the Fourth in your backyard on the dock or at any of Lake Lanier’s parks, you are sure to have the perfect view for a fantastic firework spectacle.

They See You Rowin’

You wish you had what it takes to be a professional rower.

You’re proud that YOUR lake was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and that the Lake Lanier Rowing Club is one of the most prestigious rowing venues in the world.

Some days you look out your window and see five sculls rowing by, and you know this is totally normal.

Sunset Cove

You spent entire days at Sunset Cove.

Whether you drove up in your boat or your car, you know Sunset Cove is the place to be on a clear, summer day.

With live entertainment, a powder-white beach, beach volleyball courts, fire pits and delicious food, what’s not to love?

Park your boat, turn up the music, and stay ‘til the sun goes down.

Eat a Skogie Sammich

Skogie’s Famous Grouper Sandwich has your heart (and your stomach.)

Recently voted best restaurant on Lake Lanier, Skogie’s is the perfect place for good food and cold drinks on a summer day.

Located at the Gainesville Marina, Skogie’s for dinner is the perfect way to cap off a great day at the lake.

Christmas Lights Galore

Magical Nights of Lights means that Christmas is officially on its way.

Every year, Lake Lanier Islands hosts this six-mile animated light display that ends with the Holiday Village.

The Village features carnival rides, bonfires, Santa’s workshop and a live nativity scene.

One of the most treasured traditions on Lake Lanier, driving through the Magical Nights of Lights with a car full of loved ones is the best way to kick off the holiday season.

Unparalleled Beauty

You know you live on the most beautiful lake in the Southeast.

Visitors love the lake because of more than 50 parks and public access points on Lanier, but residents love it because this body of water is unmistakably home.

The best part of living on Lake Lanier? There is something for everyone.

With a lake that touches five counties and 600 miles of shoreline, it is easy to find a piece of Lake Lanier that fits every personality.

Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of Lanier Island or the serenity of a secluded northside cove, living on Lanier is the perfect oasis.

Interested in making Lanier your home? Residents, lake experts and real estate agents would tell you you’d be surprised at the variety of homes found on Lake Lanier.

Homes on the Lanier market range anywhere from $250,000 to $4,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake Lanier, visit our Lake Lanier page and see what we have to offer!

 

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Your Lake Home Needs An Outdoor Propane Burner

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Everyone knows that outdoor propane burners are great for camping, but did you know they can be especially handy around the house as well?

Here are 4 tasty reasons to have an outdoor propane burner at your lake home!

Low Country Boil

There is nothing better get together at the lake than a crawfish, or low country boil!

With a propane burner and a big enough stock pot, you can create an all you can eat buffets of potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp and crawfish for even the largest crowd and with minimal effort.

Once you’re done cooking just spread some newspapers out on a table or two, dump out your seafood feast, and let everyone dive in while enjoying the outdoors and the lake view.

This also makes cleanup a breeze, as you have one pot to clean and can simply throw away the newspapers and hose off the tables.

Click here for a simple recipe that is sure to please.

Fried Turkey

This year when Thanksgiving rolls around, surprise everyone with a deep fried turkey!

You’ll never experience a juicier (yes, juicy turkey!) more flavorful bird than one that has been deep fried.

Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully when cooking your turkey, as that much hot oil can be a safety hazard if not handled properly.

For detailed instructions on how to safely and tastily deep fry your turkey, click here.

Homemade Chili

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cool evening by the lake.

With a propane burner you will be able to make homemade chili that tastes great, and you’ll be able to make enough to feed an army!

Just take your favorite chili recipe and increase the portions to match the number of people you will be feeding.

One thing to take note of is that the propane burner runs much hotter than your typical stove, so make sure to keep the heat low and stir frequently to avoid scorching the bottom!

Homebrewing

With the rising popularity of craft beer, many people have taken up the hobby of homebrewing and creating their own beer.

While creating a 1 or even a 3 gallon batch can generally be done pretty easily on a stove, once you get to a 5+ gallon brew it is very hard to maintain a rolling boil.

That is, unless you have a propane burner!

Not only will it maintain a rolling boil with no problem, it will also reach that boil much quicker, helping speed up the overall time spent brewing.

These are just a few examples of the versatility of the propane burner and the various ways it can be used.

If you’re looking for a nice supplement to your grill, add a burner to your outdoor cooking arsenal, and enjoy the outdoors and the lake for more of your meals!

 

 

 

Can’t Miss Events on Jackson Lake, GA

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Jackson Lake is a wonderful, moderately sized lake located only one hour from the heart of Atlanta.

It features a tight knit community, anchored by the Jackson Lake Homeowner’s Association (JLHA).

This group meets four times a year, and their main goals include promoting fellowship, education, communication and improving the quality of life at Jackson Lake.

The JLHA also plays host to many of the lake’s most exciting events throughout year, including the following events in 2016:

Lake Cleanups

February 20th | May 14th | August 6th | November 19th

A clean lake is without a doubt the most enjoyable lake. Volunteer your time to make Jackson Lake looks its best year round.

In addition to cleaning up the lake and meeting all your neighbors, you will also be treated to a free lunch!

Cleanups start at Lloyd Shoals Dam on the dates listed above, all starting at 8:30 a.m.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of boots and some work gloves!

Paddle the Rivers

April 30th – South River | July 9th – Alcovy | September 10th – Tussahaw

Just as the title suggests – bring anything that you can paddle! That includes kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.

Make your pickup reservations by emailing JLHAReservations@gmail.com.

Poker Run

June 18th

Poker runs are fairly common across the south, particularly during the summer months when everyone is out boating in full force.

It involves traveling by boat to each of the 5 sponsor’s docks, picking up a playing card, then finishing up at Reasor’s Landing.

At this point you have a “poker hand” and the boat with the best hand wins!

The cost to participate will be $25 per hand, and proceeds will be used to promote boating safety and the use of a designated skipper around Jackson Lake.

For more information contact michelle_turgeon@yahoo.com.

These are just a few of the events taking place across Jackson Lake this upcoming spring and summer.

For more information about other exciting events, such as the July 4th Boat Parade, feel free to reach out to Wally Cawthon.

Wally is the local lake expert and the number one real estate agent on the lake! See Wally’s profile on LakeHomes.com and visit his website for more details.

4 Must-Have Dog Toys for the Lake Home

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Nothing beats a day at the lake with your friends, especially your best furry friend.

Tossing an old tennis ball in and out of the water can get boring for you, even if it doesn’t for your dog.

If you’re looking to spice things up a bit in the toy department, here are a few great selections for dog toys to keep with you at the lake home.

West Paw Designs Jive dog toy1. West Paw Designs makes a “ball” called the Jive, made out of their patented ZogoFlex material.

It is not a smooth ball, and is incredibly bouncy. The result is a zig-zag bounce that will have your dog running all over the place. The best part? It floats.

chuck it flying ring2. ChuckIt! has a great Flying Ring, like a small frisbee, that is made out of chew-proof, durable material. It can sail through the air quite far, letting your best fur buddy get in a great work out while having fun.

The Flying Rings also float on water, making it a great way to get your dog some exercise on both the land and the lake!

Ruff Dawg stick toys3. Are real sticks just not good enough for your best friend? Do you want something that is bright and doesn’t blend in with all the other boring sticks by the lake?

Then Ruff Dawg’s Stick Dog Toy is perfect for you. Made out of bendable, but durable, rubber, the sticks come in neon colors so you can find them anywhere.

They also float, like most real sticks.

Hyper Pet k-9 kannon4. If you’re into the classics, and have a really hyper dog, stick to the Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon. Perfect for pet owners who’s dogs have already fallen in love with fetching tennis balls.

For a few bucks, you can have your dog tired and panting within a matter of minutes. You can launch a regular tennis ball into the lake with no problem as they will float.

At the end of the day, what is most important is that you’re enjoying a day outdoors with man’s (and woman’s) best friend. If you get any of these toys, your dog will be sure to give you extra slobbery kisses.

If you don’t, you’ll still get the kisses. If you’re by the lake, you’ll probably still get a stinky, wet dog too.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hot Tub

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So you want a hot tub? Hot tubs are a great accessory to a backyard, especially at the lake, and can be beneficial in relieving stress and staying warm during the cold season.

They are, however, a high maintenance purchase. Before jumping in, take a look at these items to consider.

Budget

One of the biggest downsides to a hot tub is the cost. If money is no object, or you feel you’re getting a great deal on a hot tub for your home, that’s great.

However, the cost of the hot tub is not the only cost you need to be aware of.

There is the installation cost, which can reach a couple of hundred dollars depending on the company, the cost of the chemicals to maintain the hot tub, and of course the water and energy costs it takes to keep a hot tub running.

You may also need to purchase the pump that aids in both water power and heating separately from the tub model you pick out. Do your homework, and make sure the costs are feasible.

Amenities

Do you have a large group of friends that will be joining you in your new hot tub? Do you have back pains or need hydrotherapy (massage jets)? Do you want built in speakers, or a tri-fold cover?

What about interior and exterior lighting, ladders to get in and out of your hot tub, a cooler, a foot massager? Yes, these are all very real options when you a buy a top-of-the-line tub. Pick which amenities are most important to you, and be prepared to dish out cash accordingly.

Location, Location, Location

Before you buy an extra large hot tub with a tanning deck and attached umbrella, make sure you have the room in your backyard. Ensure that you can fit a tub and the installers’ equipment through any side gates or through a garage. Also, before installing the tub, you may want to lay a concrete foundation down to ensure the tub is level and will not be exposed to too many elements.

If you plant your hot tub on the ground, you will have to worry about the cold earth affecting the heating elements, degrading the base of the tub, or making it so your hot tub is full on one end and empty on the other. Consider above-ground or below-ground options, based on your backyard and location.

Smart Tub

If you can, select a newer model hot tub with an energy efficient pump. While this may only be a requirement for the hardcore eco-friendly family, it is really just smart money.

You may pay a little more up front to get a pump that requires only a little energy to effectively heat a large tub, and will monitor the water usage so you don’t have a heart attack when you get the water and power bill each month.

More effective models also help you get a larger tub with fewer upkeep costs.

Renting

Do you rent or plan to rent out your lake home when you are not using it? A hot tub can can be a big draw for those looking to vacation at the lake, especially during the cooler months when renters are harder to come by.

While this may help you attract renters, make sure that your home, including the hot tub, is covered by insurance. A hot tub is a big ticket item that can be very expensive to fix in the off chance you get some rowdy renters.

In the end, the hot tub you pick will hopefully last you years to come. Don’t forget to maintain the chemical balance in the hot tub, but most importantly enjoy the serene lake views as you relax in your new favorite place on your property!

 

3 Reasons You Have to Visit the Lake This Fall

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Fall is here, and with its arrival, many people end their great summer vacations, get back to school, and get ready to enjoy hot cider, pumpkins, and fall leaves at home.

But wait! Just because fall is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice getaway.

In fact, there are many points in favor of taking a getaway to the lake in the fall rather than the summer.

After all, who wants to fight traffic, crowded boat landings and lakes full of cruisers, skiers and anglers?

Kids can get grumpy in the summer heat and parents, exhausted. And don’t forget the bugs are out, and there are just so many people.

Ok, ok, so the lake in summer is not that bad (it’s actually great!), but there are some experiences you can only have if you visit the lake this fall.

Fewer People

There are fewer people visiting the lake in the fall.

Sure, people come to hike or take photos, but the beaches around the lake aren’t packed with college kids or families coated in sunblock.

The access roads are actually accessible in the fall, and the main channel isn’t overcrowded with other boaters.

If you don’t like crowds of people, or suffer from “boat” rage, the lake during the fall is the ideal.

Scenic Views

Everything just looks better in the fall.

Lakes are beautiful year-round, but imagine the trees around the lake in fall colors, and a lovely fall sunset that makes everything seem much more vivid.

The fall twilight makes your beloved lake home look and feel even more cozy. Enjoy long walks while taking in the views, and appreciate the wild outdoors at its most beautiful.

Better yet, hit the lake.

Before winterizing your boat and docking it for the year, hit the water to take in all the colors of the fall leaves.

Weather

Anyone who says they don’t like fall weather is just crazy, so don’t listen to them. Autumn marks cooler temperatures, but straddles the line between “hot” and “cold” perfectly.

In the summer, you’re sweating on your walk or in the boat out in the open lake, the sun is burning you, and you’re tired before the day is done.

In the fall, you can walk or boat all day without truly getting overheated, and the bugs have mostly gone away so you won’t be lathering yourself in DEET.

Let’s paint a new picture, shall we?

Imagine cruising down the open highway, enjoying a sing-a-long with your kids, headed to your weekend getaway in a great cabin by the lake.

You get to enjoy the fall foliage while you  walk along your favorite trail, which is no longer crowded, at your leisure in the crisp air.

The bugs have gone or quieted down, and the animals are out in full force, giving you a great wildlife-watching experience.

The climate is perfect sweater weather, and you can stay out all day without getting cold or hot.

The leaves on the ground, and the colors of the trees, provide a fantastic backdrop for your new Facebook cover photo, making all of your friends instantly jealous of your fall retreat.

At night in your comfy cabin, the kids rest peacefully as there are no late night boaters out creating noise pollution, and you and your spouse enjoy a nice cider or pumpkin beer on the patio, listening to the rustle of the leaves.

While a lake home is typically seen as a great place to spend the summer, if that is the only time you utilize your space you are only getting a fraction of the benefits of lake living!

 

 

The Joys of SEC Football and Lake Life

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With less than one week ’til the kickoff of college football, it’s time to take a look at two common passions in the South: SEC football and lake life.

With regional temperatures generally staying warm well into the fall, and many lakes in close proximity to college campuses, it makes for a natural fit!

Whether you are having family and friends over to party and tailgate at the lake home, or attending the game and returning to the lake home as your out-of-town getaway, the lake will definitely enhance your experience.

University of Alabama – Lake Tuscaloosa

Located only 20 minutes from Bryant-Denny Stadium and Alabama’s campus, this reservoir features 177 miles of shoreline and serves as the main water supply for the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Its close proximity to these cities and clear waters also make it a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

Nick Saban, coach of the Alabama football team even has a house on Lake Tuscaloosa. He is known invite his players out to occasionally enjoy the use of his boat and jet skis!

Auburn University – Lake Martin

Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Auburn campus is conveniently located less than 1 hour away from gorgeous Lake Martin, which boasts more than 700 miles of shoreline.

In addition to pristine waters and luxurious houses, the lake boasts natural attractions like Chimney Rock, as well as numerous local restaurants.

Search the web for Lake Martin rentals, and you will find no shortage of properties promoting “Auburn Football weekends on the Lake” and “Auburn Football Weekends.”

University of South Carolina – Lake Murray

USC, located in Columbia, SC, is minutes away from the fishing and recreational hotspot that is Lake Murray.

The lake, which has more than 500 miles of shoreline, can reach depths of up to 200 feet.

One draw for Lake Murray is the consistency of its water levels, fluctuating only 4 feet between the summer and winter seasons.

Another perk of lake is the convenience to Columbia, which is the home of the Riverbanks Zoo, Broadway shows, concerts, and of course, the USC Gamecocks and Williams-Brice Stadium!

University of Tennessee – Tennessee River/Fort Loudoun Lake 

UT’s Neyland Stadium is located 30 minutes from Fort Loudoun Lake and sits directly on the shores of the Tennessee River.

With almost 400 miles of shoreline, there is a lake property to match anyone’s needs, and if there is not, you can even look for a houseboat to live directly on the water!

UT fans take tailgating  to a whole new level, so much so that it has spawned its own title, known as “sailgating.”

That’s right, a group of super fans and boating enthusiasts, known as the Vol Navy, arrive by boat and tie up outside of Neyland Stadium to celebrate with traditional tailgating activities on their boats and on the three-mile riverwalk.

The bottom line is, no matter where you go in the SEC footprint, you’re bound to be near a beautiful body of water.

While most people think of a lake home as a great spring and summer getaway, it can also function as a one-of-a-kind tailgating experience on the weekends during the fall and winter months!